CEN Supports Violence Prevention Initiatives

Staff of CEN gathered at the Stephenville Town Council on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019 with other like-minded community members to witness the proclamation of February being observed as Violence Prevention Month in Stephenville. Gathered for a united ocean of pink, 32 youth, seniors, and various community organizations and government officials sat in silence as Mayor Tom Rose charged each as responsible for ensuring the message for anti-violence moves forward as we go about our daily lives in our respective communities.“We must make sure our voices are heard in society!”

Bernice Hancock, Executive Director with CEN and chair of BSG Coalition to End Violence, thanked all for coming out. “We each have a role, every day let’s remember what we can do and help make our community, our schools and our workplaces violent-free.” Adding, she spoke to the students in the room. “You are the future generation that will help us end violence.” 

Janice Kennedy, Executive Director of the BSG Status of Women’s Council urged that “when someone says that something is not right, believe them! Take advantages of the resources in our community.” She spoke of the recent tragedy in Conne River and told how a red dress still hangs in the window of the Women’s Center in remembrance of all the missing and murdered indigenous women in our country.

Reading the proclamation, Mayor Rose added, “Violence does not just affect the individual but it moves outward with it’s ripple effect felt by many.”

There are many activities and promotional events ongoing in the community throughout the month. BSGCEV is asking businesses and organizations to take a stand with them by promoting their pledge against violence with staff wearing pink on Stand Up day, Feb. 27th; decorating their office or front windows in pink, and using their social media to promote kindness and generosity to each other.